PETA protests mall show

Exhibitor says no cruelty to animals involved.

Exhibitor says no cruelty to animals involved.

June 21, 2007|CAROL DRAEGER Tribune Staff Writer

BENTON HARBOR -- The show will go on, despite PETA protests. Using a baby tiger, animal magician Joe Schreibvogel spread the word to children about the dangers of drugs and drinking Wednesday at Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor. Schreibvogel's exhibit and magic show opened Wednesday and runs through Sunday at the Pipestone Road mall. But a few hours before "Exotic Joe's" show began, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals urged Berrien County lawmakers to stop the exhibit, called "Mystical Magic of the Endangered," by sending news releases to the county and local media. The exhibit is run by Oklahoma-based G.W. Exotic Animals Memorial Park which, according to PETA, has been cited for animal cruelty violations. "We ask you to enact legislation prohibiting any display, exhibit, or event that uses exotic animals in Berrien County." In a phone interview from the mall, Schreibvogel said PETA has made up lies about his group, which rescues animals that have been mistreated. "You will not find anything from law enforcement to the USDA to back up their claims," he said. "They want free news publicity. I don't have time for it," he said. Schreibvogel has shows to put together, which he said promote good living for children. "I use the magic show and a baby tiger to talk to the kids about not drinking and driving and saying no to drugs," he said. Orchards Mall officials hope the PETA publicity brings more people to the exhibit. "It's a fantastic show," said general manager Ammy Wendzel. "We invite people to see for themselves how great they really are and how they take care of their animals," she said. The lessons for children are invaluable, she added. Schreibvogel has visited Benton Harbor four times carrying the anti-drug message through performances with a baby tiger and other animals. "People have raved about our show and its success that they want us to come back," Schreibvogel said. Staff writer Carol Draeger: cdraeger@sbtinfo.com (269) 687-7005